funny as lots of riders have been having problems with kings freezing up and generally being a bit crap in cold conditions. Nothing funnier than watching someone having to wee on their favourite bling hubs to get them to work again

When the last time time you actually saw this happen? King changed the ring-drive lube years ago to combat this. If you've seen it in recent years, I can bet that they hadn't been serviced with the correct lube.

I paid £240 for the rear about 4 years ago from Stiff, on offer and £100 for a 20mm front one a year later, again from Stiff, on offer. It was my 40th birthday prezzie. The front was just a moment of madness as I was totally happy with my hope hub but saw it on offer and in the same colour as the rear (silver) and though, sod it!

Not sure I'd want o pay full wack though.

They look and feel lovely. Building them into a wheel was so satisfying.

I've stripped the rear once, it was immaculate inside. Not bothered since. The freewheeling noise out of the rear is lovely, like the noise a herd of bees might make if they were chasing you.

How many people on here recommending Royce hubs have actually owned a pair??

I have and i wouldn't own another pair. Beautiful to look at but no end of problems and some very bad design flaws and heavy too - such as the end caps screw on rather than push on so can unscrew if you don't keep your eye on them and there is no easy way to keep them tight as there is no flats for a spanner.

I think you should only recommend a product if you have actually owned the product.

I'd stick with my kings. I'd previously had Royce and unless they've improved in recent years, I'd stay clear. My set had poor bearing life and no adjustment. My mate had three hubshells crack, yes Royce changed them, but he had to pay for the service and the wheel rebuilds. The Royce do look and sound fabulous (think old campag) but they are too fragile IMO.

D45yth. Yesterday with 2 king rear hubs. Both owned by very experienced riders who know how to service their kit. Both aknowledged that it may be worth getting some cheap nasty hubs as they are better in sub zero. So that answers your question i hope?

Phil Wood's easy to service and look fab but heavy, love my hope's but love my DT 240s as well,easy servicing and go forever. Hope Ti Glides from 2002 sill going strong just competed their 4th 3 Peaks.
Kings just look to much hassle to look after but never having owned a set cant comment on real world use.
Bearing change on the Phil Woods is just as easy as a Hope.

Of the hubs I've actually used then it would be i9's for me, I've read the sealing isn't the best but mine haven't been serviced in the 18 months I've had them and still seem fine to me. Whatever the 'correct' answer is I think the rear needs 120 PoE minimum, anything less clearly isn't the best.